A new Indiana Jones game, exclusively for Xbox and PC
A new Indiana Jones adventure is on the way, and it will be a console exclusive. Initially, the game was expected to be released on multiple platforms, but following Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda, it became an Xbox console exclusive. The ownership of the talented development studio by the software giant seems to be influencing the team's game development strategies.
The new Indiana Jones game, currently code named 'Indiana Jones', was first mentioned in a report that examined the significant changes at Bethesda since its acquisition by Microsoft in 2018.
Simplifying and streamlining the development process by dropping a platform makes it easier for developers to meet the demands of licensors like Disney, and in turn, helps reduce risk. Pete Hines from Bethesda explains that working with a licensor like Disney, who owns the rights to Indiana Jones, adds time constraints and scheduling pressure. Therefore, dropping a platform alleviates the burden.
Hines states, "Oftentimes, it really is just about simplifying and streamlining the development process. So, if there's a particular platform you're not going to be on that simplifies your development toolchain and all of that, that's going to reduce your risk. It makes scheduling a lot easier, and it gives approved art and all that stuff, it makes it a lot easier to go get approvals through the licensor. And a lot of times, licensors are wanting to approve just enough to get the game out the door."
Hines provides the example of Arkane's earlier decision, which also became a console exclusive after its acquisition by Microsoft.
Harvey Smith, the studio head at Bethesda's Austin Arkane division, explains, "So for me, personally speaking, dropping the PS5 version of Redfall is a good decision because it's going to reduce complexity. There's a certain level of complexity you want in a game, I don't want to ever reach a zero floor on that, but the more you do, the more risk you have as well."
In summary, creating console-exclusive games helps promote the platform and enhances its reputation. Releasing titles that are only available on Xbox showcases Microsoft's capabilities, and it also reinforces the idea that the best games can only be found on the best consoles.
It is important to note that there is an ongoing hearing between the US Government and Microsoft regarding allegations of market dominance abuse and discrimination against competing services, such as PlayStation game development (Game Pass being an exclusive game service). However, Xbox boss Phil Spencer highlights that exclusives work both ways, citing the exclusive Spider-Man games on PlayStation consoles.
For now, we will have to miss out on this particular Indiana Jones adventure.
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